Tonga perform the Sipi Tau. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Tonga play Hong Kong for a place in next year’s Rugby World Cup when the teams clash at Sunshine Coast Stadium, Queensland on Saturday.
Hong Kong secured their place in the Asia/Pacific play-off with a 23-21 defeat of South Korea two weeks ago.
The winner of today’s one-off match will become the 19th team to secure their place at RWC 2023, joining South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and Romania in Pool B.
Whoever loses on Saturday will have one remaining opportunity to claim a spot in France when they compete in the Final Qualification Tournament against Portugal, Kenya and the US in November.
Tonga warmed up for the play-off against Hong Kong by taking part in the Pacific Nations Cup 2022 in Fiji.
However, with coach Toutai Kefu using the tournament to test his squad depth, ‘Ikale Tahi lost all three of their matches against Fiji, Samoa and Australia A.
Source: RNZ
